AWC gears up for busy semester with technical courses

This fall, Arizona Western College will be offering career technical courses and the classes will provide students with a full schedule.

The Career and Technical Education Division will be providing the community with new opportunities this year for various skilled trade and technical programs in which AWC partners with local agencies and industry.

According to a press release, one of the newest programs of study is the industrial maintenance and electrical instrumentation courses developed in conjunction with the Yuma Manufacturers Association to develop a skilled work force capable of working in the manufacturing sector as a skilled technician.

Students will have the chance to learn from local experts in a variety of industries to develop skills and knowledge in their field of education.

Nationally recognized curriculum and assessments are used throughout many of these programs such as the National Center for Construction Education Research, NATEF, ASE and the American Welding Society S.E.N.S.E. program.

Different career technical education programs that AWC offers are in the fields of automotive, air-conditioning, carpentry, drafting, electrical wiring, plumbing and welding technology which will give them the opportunity to receive a certificate or degree.

AWC also has private pilot license test preparation courses, as well as OSHA-related safety education and weatherization.

A good number of these courses offered at AWC have collaborated with local high schools in Yuma, allowing younger students to participate in a dual credit program in order for students to get ahead.

The U.S. Department of Labor grant that AWC received allowed an expansion in training programs for skilled trades and still continues to provide courses in carpentry, electrical wiring and plumbing.

AWC also will be launching a late-start training program for solar PV installer to add to its already existing programs of electrical wiring and construction trades. According to a press release, students will learn entry-level electrical wiring skills, learn about the National Electrical Code, roofing systems for solar PV panel installation and wiring of solar system components for a grid tied system. This particular program will allow students to be prepared for jobs in the electrical trade field with hands-on opportunities.

For more information about the Division of Career and Technical Education, call 344-7567.

Sarah Reed can be reached at sareed@yumasun.com or 539-6858.